September 2008

September 28, 2008

Finally the rain has stopped. I tend to put off trips to the mailbox if the weather isn't permitting, a lazy habit of mine I'll admit! But this trip revealed a wonderful surprise for me that made my day! I was lucky to have had my name chosen during a recent "give-away" on Lola Enchanted's Blog (don't you just love her blog name?) And look what was waiting for me! What a delight this piece is-- it will be perfect to hold my vintage buttons. I adore the bird on top, the picture doesn't do it justice, but I hope you can read the THANK YOU!!

September 27, 2008

Hello my fellow woodland wanderers! This is the perfect time of year to introduce you to an old friend. Or re-introduce you, as I know you've probably seen this "weed" before. She's native to my area, with a history as deep and rich as her plump, dark, purple-red berries. She's a true wild Appalachian herb, and there is much facinating herbal lore about uses for her roots, leaves, and berries... but be forewarned... she is not for the novice herbalist and is poisonus to people if not prepared correctly! I'm content with just visiting and studying her. The berries and vibrant colored stems that reappear year after year in my woods speak to me of strength, old secrets, and autumn on it's way. Her appearance is exotic, almost tropical, and perhaps, if she allows, I'll try painting with some of her berry juice, as did artist George Caleb Bingham (1811-1879). Or, as did the root doctors of the south, carry a bit of her root to ward off evil. Her name "Poke" comes from the Virginia Algonquian word for blood, referring to the red color of the stem and berries. Native Americans used the powdered roots to treat cancers, and the mountain grandmothers had many a use for this plant.

Remembering how much I loved the illustrations in this book, "A Child's Book of Wildflowers" by M.A. Kelly, and that there was a page that featured Poke plant, I thought I'd share it here. The artist Joyce Powzyk does the most beautiful watercolor illustrations. I found this book at a flea market years back, bought it for my daughter, and it quickly became a favorite of mine too.

On your next trek through the woods look for her won't you? And be sure and say hello from me.

September 03, 2008

The mornings are feeling crisper now... Fall is surely on the way. I love Fall, it's my favorite season, but I have to admit, I'm reluctant to turn in my shorts and sandals this year. I just found a couple of shots of my favorite store window at a quaint little beach town in Chincoteague, VA. The shop is called Guinevere's, and is a haven for mermaids and faeries alike... I love it here! The pictures do not do it justice, the shop is sheer magic!

This is one of Katherine's (the artist and shop owner) paintings. Isn't she a lovely mermaid? Seems she's saying farewell... see you next Summer. And I will, as I can't wait to come back and visit again.

And here is my daughter's favorite.. an altered embellished treasure chest that was apparently created when the artist was just a teen herself! In person it looks like it was unearthed from the depths of the sea! I always love spending time in this shop. Next year I'll take better pictures for the blog!